Since 1976, our preschools have utilized the most current educational programs within a caring and supportive community for children and families. What sets us apart is our unique curriculum and dynamic environments that spark children's excitement and curiosity for learning.- R. Ann Whitehead, M.S. Educational Psychology, Exec. Director / Founder

PARENTS' PRESS BEST OF 2014 READERS' POLL: The Child Day Schools received Gold for Best Children's Care in Contra Costa, tied for Silver for Best Independent Preschool in Contra Costa, and tied for Publisher's Pick for Best Child Care and Independent Preschool in Alameda county. We thank everyone for all your support!

The Child Day Schools' Dynamic ProgramsOur programs include the High/Scope research based philosophy along with the Project Web curriculum. Our programs meet the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC’s) Accreditation Standards, including low teacher-child ratios. Our environments, similar to Montessori, promote children’s explorations. However, we also emphasize dramatic play, social interactions and creativity. Children engage in developmen-tally appropriate activities-- promoting skills for kindergarten and activities that help them understand the world around them. Our low teacher ratios allow nurturing and well-trained teachers to support children throughout the day.

Young Preschool (Two’s)

Teachers support two-year olds' emerging language, self-help & social skills. We plan Project Web Topics to help young preschoolers begin to understand the world around them. This program encourages a wide range of activities, including simple art projects, music & movement.

Preschool (Three’s)

This program supports three-year olds (preschoolers) as they begin to learn self-help skills and social interactions through conflict resolution. Project Web Topics promote vocabulary, beginning science, alphabet, counting and problem solving along with creativity, music and movement.

Junior-Kindergarten is geared for older pre-kindergarteners and those not yet ready for kindergarten. We emphasizes phonics, printing, science and math each week. Project Web Topics promote children’s discoveries through hypothesizing, experimenting and problem solving. It also includes art, music, and life skills.

Toddlers (12 to 24 months) (Moraga and San Ramon campuses)

Toddlers explore and discover in a gentle nurturing environment. Teachers work closely with parents to meet children’s needs, appreciating their unique qualities and developmental level. Teachers promote emerging skills in speech, and large and small motor development.

Kindergarten (Lafayette and San Ramon campuses)

This program is an integrated curriculum model providing core academics including phonics, printing, reading, and math. Kindergarten children also study in-depth subjects on science, social studies, art, music, and drama. We also emphasize conflict-resolution and life skills.

Supportive teachers plan activities such as science projects, arts and crafts, cooking, as well as extended field trips in the summer. Life skills promote children’s empathy, self-reliance and team building.